For those of you who spent $400 on a console, $60 on a game, and $50 on an extra controller, yet stopped just short of plunking down the cash for an Xbox Live Gold membership, your patience is about to pay off. Microsoft is offering a free Gold membership for the weekend of March 31 through April 2. Sponsored by Verizon, the weekend will feature many special events, including contests, tournaments, and giveaways. Microsoft haters, here's a juicy little tidbit: The company chose the weekend we switch to daylight saving time to offer the free program, meaning gamers get 71 hours at the online buffet instead of 72. You owe us an hour, MS.

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